Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A lighting system adapted to generate a configurable spotlight effect, comprising: a configurable light source arrangement for generating the configurable spotlight effect; a presence detector for detecting motion of an individual at a detection location within a detection area, and for detecting in which direction the individual is moving; and a controller adapted to configure the configurable light source arrangement in response to said presence detector, wherein the controller is adapted to determine a first location in front of the individual based on the direction of the individual, and to generate the configurable spotlight effect with the configurable light source arrangement from the first location towards a defined location such as to attract the attention of said individual to the defined location.
A lighting system generates a configurable spotlight effect to guide individuals toward a specific location. The system includes a configurable light source arrangement that produces the spotlight effect, a presence detector that detects motion and movement direction of individuals within a detection area, and a controller that adjusts the light source based on the detector's input. The controller determines a first location in front of the individual based on their movement direction and configures the spotlight to project from this first location toward a predefined target location. This dynamic spotlight effect is designed to attract the individual's attention to the target location, such as an exit, entrance, or point of interest. The system adapts in real-time to the individual's movement, ensuring the spotlight remains effective in guiding them. The presence detector may use sensors like motion detectors or cameras to track movement direction, while the controller adjusts the light source's position, intensity, or beam angle to create the spotlight effect. The system is useful in environments like retail stores, museums, or emergency exits where guiding individuals is important.
2. A lighting system as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a gaze detection means, and wherein the controller is configured to control the gaze detection means to identify a field of view of said individual; and generate said light effect such that said first location is within said determined field of view.
This invention relates to an adaptive lighting system designed to enhance user experience by dynamically adjusting light effects based on an individual's gaze direction. The system addresses the problem of static lighting that fails to engage users or adapt to their visual focus, which can lead to inefficiency in lighting applications such as displays, signage, or ambient lighting. The lighting system includes a controller that determines a first location for generating a light effect, such as a visual pattern or highlight. The system further incorporates a gaze detection mechanism, such as an eye-tracking camera or sensor, to identify the individual's field of view. The controller then adjusts the light effect so that the first location aligns with the detected gaze direction, ensuring the visual effect remains within the user's line of sight. This dynamic adjustment improves user engagement by ensuring the lighting effect is always visible and relevant to the viewer's current focus. The system may also include multiple light sources or a programmable display to create the desired light effect. The gaze detection means can be integrated into the lighting system or operate as a separate component, providing real-time tracking of the user's gaze. The controller processes the gaze data to dynamically update the light effect's position, ensuring continuous alignment with the user's field of view. This adaptive approach enhances applications in advertising, entertainment, or interactive displays where user attention is critical.
3. A lighting system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to generate said light effect such that said first location is a preset distance away from said detection location.
A lighting system is designed to dynamically adjust lighting effects based on detected user positions. The system includes a controller that processes input from a detection device to determine a detection location of a user. The controller then generates a light effect at a first location, which is a preset distance away from the detection location. This ensures that the lighting effect is consistently positioned relative to the user, enhancing visual comfort and functionality. The system may also include multiple light sources, each capable of emitting light at different wavelengths, allowing for customizable lighting effects. The controller can adjust the intensity, color, and pattern of the light emitted by these sources to create the desired effect. The preset distance ensures that the lighting effect remains at a fixed offset from the user, regardless of their movement, providing a stable and predictable lighting experience. This approach is particularly useful in applications where precise lighting positioning is required, such as in smart home environments, automotive interiors, or industrial settings. The system may also incorporate feedback mechanisms to refine the detection and positioning accuracy over time.
4. A lighting system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the presence detector is a position tracker for tracking a changing location of an individual within said detection area.
A lighting system is designed to automatically adjust illumination based on the presence and movement of individuals within a detection area. The system includes a presence detector that monitors the detection area to detect the presence of individuals. The system further includes a controller that adjusts the lighting output of one or more light sources in response to the presence detector's signals. The lighting output may be adjusted by varying parameters such as intensity, color, or distribution to optimize energy efficiency and user comfort. In an advanced configuration, the presence detector is a position tracker that continuously tracks the changing location of an individual within the detection area. This allows the system to dynamically adjust lighting based on the individual's movement, ensuring that illumination follows the person as they move. The position tracker may use technologies such as infrared sensors, cameras, or other motion-tracking devices to determine the individual's location with precision. The controller then processes this positional data to modify the lighting output accordingly, providing targeted illumination where needed while reducing unnecessary energy consumption in unoccupied areas. This system enhances energy efficiency and user experience by adapting lighting conditions in real-time to the individual's movements.
5. A lighting system as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the controller is further adapted to recurrently reconfigure the controllable light source arrangement in response to the changing location.
Lighting systems and control of illumination based on location. This invention addresses the need for lighting that automatically adapts to a user's movement within a space. The system comprises a controllable light source arrangement capable of being adjusted in terms of light intensity, color temperature, or beam direction. A controller is in communication with this light source arrangement. Crucially, the controller is configured to monitor the changing location of something, likely a user or device. Based on this detected movement and its evolving position, the controller repeatedly adjusts the configuration of the controllable light source arrangement. This dynamic reconfiguration ensures that the illumination provided remains appropriate for the current location, potentially optimizing for factors like visibility, mood, or energy efficiency as the user moves. The system allows for continuous, automatic adjustment of light output in direct response to positional changes.
6. A lighting system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the configurable light source arrangement comprises an array of individually addressable LEDs, each arranged to produce a luminous output, and a lens arrangement common to said individually addressable LEDs, wherein the lens arrangement redirects the luminous outputs of said LEDs as a function of their position within the array.
A lighting system includes a configurable light source arrangement designed to control and redirect light output for specific applications. The system addresses the challenge of achieving precise light distribution and directionality in lighting applications, particularly where dynamic control over light patterns is required. The configurable light source arrangement consists of an array of individually addressable LEDs, each capable of producing a luminous output. A common lens arrangement is positioned over the array, redirecting the light emitted by each LED based on its position within the array. This allows for customizable light distribution patterns, enabling the system to adapt to different lighting needs without requiring physical adjustments to individual LEDs. The lens arrangement ensures that light from each LED is directed in a controlled manner, optimizing illumination for tasks such as task lighting, display backlighting, or architectural lighting. The system provides flexibility in light direction and intensity, making it suitable for applications where dynamic lighting control is essential.
7. A lighting system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the configurable light source arrangement comprises: a planar array of individually addressable sets of light sources, each set comprising at least one light source, each of said light sources being arranged to produce a luminous output; and an optical system comprising a plurality of refractive lenses common to the individually addressable light sources and sequentially arranged along a common optical axis to shape the luminous output of each set of light sources into a spotlight and project said spotlight in an angular direction that is a function of a position of said set in the array.
A lighting system is designed to provide configurable and directional illumination. The system addresses the need for precise control over light distribution, particularly in applications requiring adjustable spotlights or dynamic lighting patterns. The system includes a planar array of individually addressable sets of light sources, where each set contains at least one light source capable of producing a luminous output. An optical system with multiple refractive lenses, aligned along a common optical axis, shapes the light from each set into a focused spotlight. The direction of each spotlight is determined by the position of the corresponding light source set within the array, allowing for controlled angular projection. This configuration enables the system to dynamically adjust the direction and intensity of multiple spotlights independently, providing flexible lighting solutions for applications such as stage lighting, architectural illumination, or automotive headlights. The optical system ensures that the light from each set is efficiently collimated and directed, enhancing precision and reducing optical losses. The modular design of the array allows for scalability and customization based on specific lighting requirements.
8. A lighting system as claimed in claim 7 , wherein the optical system is arranged such that a respective angular deviation between projected spotlights generated from luminous outputs of different pairs of neighbouring light sources is the same for any such neighbouring pair across said planar array.
A lighting system includes an array of light sources arranged in a planar configuration, where each light source emits light that is directed through an optical system to generate projected spotlights. The optical system is designed to ensure that the angular deviation between spotlights generated from adjacent pairs of light sources remains consistent across the entire array. This uniformity in angular deviation helps maintain a predictable and uniform lighting pattern, which is particularly useful in applications requiring precise illumination control, such as display backlighting, projection systems, or architectural lighting. The system may also include additional features, such as adjustable light sources or optical elements, to further refine the lighting output. By maintaining consistent angular spacing between spotlights, the system avoids irregularities in illumination that could arise from variations in light source positioning or optical alignment, thereby improving overall lighting performance and reliability.
9. A lighting system as claimed in claim 7 , wherein the plurality of refractive lenses comprises a first refractive lens arranged to receive the respective luminous outputs from the array and at least one further refractive lens arranged to receive the luminous output of the first refractive lens, said first refractive lens having a lens body at least partially delimited by a planar surface facing the array and a convex surface opposite the planar surface, said lens body having a maximum height normal to the planar surface of at least the radius of the planar surface.
This invention relates to a lighting system designed to improve light distribution and efficiency. The system addresses the challenge of achieving uniform and controlled illumination by using an array of light sources, such as LEDs, coupled with a plurality of refractive lenses. The lenses are structured to optimize light output by shaping and directing the luminous flux from the array. The system includes a first refractive lens positioned to receive the combined luminous outputs from the array. This lens has a lens body with a planar surface facing the array and a convex surface on the opposite side. The lens body's height, measured perpendicular to the planar surface, is at least equal to the radius of the planar surface, ensuring sufficient light capture and redirection. The convex surface helps to spread or focus the light as needed. Additionally, the system includes at least one further refractive lens that receives the luminous output from the first lens, allowing for further light shaping and control. This multi-lens arrangement enhances the system's ability to tailor light distribution for specific applications, such as general lighting, task lighting, or display backlighting. The design ensures efficient light extraction and minimizes losses, improving overall system performance.
10. A lighting system as claimed in claim 9 , wherein the at least one further refractive lens comprises a first further refractive lens and a second further refractive lens arranged such that the first further refractive lens is positioned in between the first refractive lens and the second further refractive lens, each of the first further refractive lens and the second further refractive lens being a plano-convex lens having its planar surface facing the array.
A lighting system includes an array of light sources and a refractive lens system designed to control light distribution. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently directing light from multiple light sources into a desired pattern while minimizing optical losses and unwanted artifacts. The refractive lens system includes a primary refractive lens positioned over the array, along with additional refractive lenses to further refine the light output. Specifically, the system incorporates a first and second further refractive lens, where the first further refractive lens is placed between the primary refractive lens and the second further refractive lens. Both the first and second further refractive lenses are plano-convex lenses, with their planar surfaces oriented toward the light source array. This configuration enhances light collimation and distribution, ensuring uniform illumination while reducing stray light and improving energy efficiency. The arrangement of lenses optimizes the optical path, allowing precise control over beam shape and intensity, making the system suitable for applications requiring high-performance lighting solutions.
11. A lighting system as claimed in claim 10 , wherein the optical system further comprises a diffuser arranged downstream from the first refractive lens.
A lighting system is designed to improve light distribution and uniformity in illumination applications. The system includes a light source, an optical system, and a diffuser. The optical system comprises a first refractive lens positioned to receive light from the light source and redirect it to achieve a desired light distribution pattern. The diffuser is arranged downstream from the first refractive lens to further scatter the light, reducing hotspots and enhancing uniformity across the illuminated area. The diffuser may be a diffusive material or a structured surface that diffuses light in a controlled manner. The system may also include additional optical elements, such as reflectors or secondary lenses, to further refine the light output. The diffuser ensures that the final light output is soft and evenly distributed, making the system suitable for applications requiring high-quality illumination, such as architectural lighting, display backlighting, or automotive lighting. The combination of the refractive lens and diffuser optimizes light control while maintaining efficiency and compactness.
12. A lighting system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the light effect comprises: a static light pattern extending spatially from said first location toward said defined location; or a dynamic light effect comprising a spot beam controlled to move along a path from said first location toward said defined location.
This invention relates to lighting systems designed to guide or direct individuals along a path, particularly in environments where visibility or navigation assistance is needed. The system addresses the problem of providing clear, intuitive visual guidance to a specific location, such as an exit, entrance, or point of interest, in settings like buildings, public spaces, or transportation hubs. The lighting system includes a light source configured to generate a light effect that extends from a first location (e.g., the user's current position) toward a defined target location. The light effect can be either static or dynamic. In the static configuration, the system projects a fixed light pattern that visually connects the first location to the target, creating a continuous visual path. Alternatively, the dynamic configuration employs a spot beam that moves along a predefined path from the first location toward the target, simulating motion to enhance visibility and directionality. The system may use sensors or user input to determine the first location and adjust the light effect accordingly, ensuring accurate guidance. The invention improves navigation by providing a visually intuitive and adaptable lighting solution that reduces reliance on traditional signage or markers.
13. A lighting system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said light effect is at least partially formed by a coded light output encoded with information.
A lighting system is designed to provide dynamic light effects, including those encoded with information. The system includes a light source capable of generating a light effect, where the light effect is at least partially formed by a coded light output. This coded light output is encoded with information, allowing the light to transmit data while also serving as illumination. The encoded information may include control signals, identification data, or other relevant information, enabling the lighting system to function as both a visual display and a communication medium. The system may be used in environments where both illumination and data transmission are required, such as in smart buildings, interactive displays, or industrial automation. The coded light output ensures that the transmitted information is embedded within the visible or invisible spectrum of the light, making it suitable for applications where discrete or high-speed data transfer is needed. The system may also include additional components, such as sensors or controllers, to adjust the light effect based on environmental conditions or user inputs. This approach enhances the functionality of traditional lighting systems by integrating data transmission capabilities, improving efficiency and versatility in various applications.
14. A lighting system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said light effect includes light effect regions at each of said first location and said defined location, and wherein the light effect region at said first location is controlled to share one or more optical properties with the light effect region at said defined location so as to associate the two locations and attract the attention of an individual from the first location toward the defined location.
This invention relates to a lighting system designed to guide individuals from one location to another using coordinated light effects. The system addresses the challenge of visually directing movement in environments where clear pathways or signage may be insufficient, such as in large public spaces, emergency exits, or dynamic event settings. The lighting system generates light effects at two distinct locations: a first location where an individual is initially present and a defined target location. Each location features a light effect region, which may include patterns, colors, or dynamic changes in illumination. The system synchronizes one or more optical properties—such as color, intensity, or timing—between the two regions. By sharing these properties, the system creates a visual association between the locations, subtly guiding the individual toward the target. This approach enhances spatial awareness and navigation without relying on overt signage or physical barriers. The system may incorporate sensors or user inputs to dynamically adjust the light effects based on real-time conditions, such as crowd movement or environmental changes. The coordinated light effects can be tailored to specific contexts, such as emergency evacuation routes or interactive exhibits, ensuring adaptability across various applications. The invention improves user experience and safety by leveraging visual cues to facilitate intuitive navigation.
15. A method for generating a configurable spotlight effect, comprising: detecting the motion of an individual at a detection location within a detection area; detecting in which direction the individual is moving; determining a first location in front of the individual based on the direction of the individual; and in response to said detection, configuring a configurable light source arrangement to generate the configurable spotlight effect from the first location towards a defined location so as to attract the attention of said individual to the defined location.
This invention relates to dynamic lighting systems designed to guide individuals within a detection area by generating a configurable spotlight effect. The problem addressed is the need for an adaptive lighting solution that can dynamically adjust to attract attention toward a specific location based on an individual's movement. The method involves detecting the motion of an individual within a predefined detection area and determining their direction of movement. Based on this direction, a first location is identified in front of the individual. In response to these detections, a configurable light source arrangement is adjusted to project a spotlight effect from this first location toward a predefined target location. The spotlight is dynamically configured to ensure it effectively attracts the individual's attention to the defined location, enhancing visibility and guidance. The configurable light source arrangement may include adjustable lighting fixtures, such as LED arrays or directional lamps, capable of modifying beam angles, intensity, or color to create the spotlight effect. The system may also incorporate sensors, such as motion detectors or cameras, to track the individual's movement and direction accurately. The spotlight effect can be customized in terms of brightness, shape, or movement to ensure optimal attention-grabbing properties while minimizing distractions. This approach is particularly useful in environments like retail spaces, museums, or public areas where guiding individuals toward specific points of interest is desirable.
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September 8, 2020
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